WINDOWS EXPLORER HUNG UP

Anytime I try to open any folder in my Windows 7 equipped HP laptop, it gets hung up. The "please wait" circle keeps-a- spiining. If I'm lucky, after about 3-5 minutes it will then be available. If I'm not, it will close then repopen later or just close. I've kept this baby updated. I'm not sure why this is happening or what the solution is besides general maintenaince. Help!